The 1 Series first arrived in 2004, taking BMW's compact segment baton from the much-loved but ageing 3 Series Compact. BMW billed it as a sporty and practical new entry point into the lineup.

Nearly 20 years later, these zippy compacts still deliver that signature BMW driving thrill at a more affordable price. However, with BMW's big electrification push, the future of the 1 Series is in doubt. So, where do things stand?

The Current State of Affairs

BMW ruffled some feathers with their latest 1 Series, shifting it to a front-wheel-drive platform instead of the traditional rear-drive setup – basically to save money. Hardcore fans scoffed, but the upside is improved interior spaciousness.

Even with power routed forward, the 1 Series is still an absolute riot to pilot. Precision steering and expertly tuned suspension give it sharp reflexes and crisp cornering. The boosted 3- and 4-cylinder engines also provide willing punch at any speed. The hot rod M135i proves the point, packing a stout 306 horsepower.

Sure, the tyres being driven may have moved to the front now, but that quintessential BMW driving engagement is still present in spades. And in flexible 5-door hatchback guise, the practical 1 Series embraces its role as the most accessible gateway into owning a new BMW.

An Electric Future

The 1 Series remains vital to BMW's plans, as board member Ilka Horstmeier's recent remarks affirmed. Even as the current generation continues offering petrol-powered practicality and performance, an electric successor looks probable in the coming years.

Using a dedicated EV platform shared with Mini and other BMW models, an electric 1 Series could retain the model's hatchback body style and performance ethos while benefiting from instant torque and quiet, emissions-free motoring.

With models like the iX1 and iX2 paving the way, the technology exists at BMW for a compact EV hatchback. An electric future for the 1 Series seems bright.

The i1 Cometh?

As BMW rolls out its "i" sub-brand of electric vehicles even more rapidly in the coming years, it would logically slot an electric 1 Series successor into the i1 nameplate. Such a car would likely share components with the next generation iX1, iX2, and electric Mini models.

The i1 could launch in the late 2020s alongside the next wave of BMW EVs, poised to battle electric compacts from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and more. Like today's sporty and fun-to-drive 1 Series, BMW will imbue the i1 with athletic handling and engaging character.

The Ultimate Electric Driving Machine

While the idea of a front-wheel drive 1 Series had purists grumbling not long ago, an all-electric successor could quash those complaints. Packaging an electric motor and batteries into a compact hatchback body nicely sends power to the front wheels while centralising weight for ideal handling. Range, charging speed, and affordability will be paramount, but knowing BMW, such attributes won't get in the way of the i1 being engaging to drive.

When it debuts before 2030 with a futuristic design and the latest technology, the new i1 EV hatchback will uphold the BMW 1 Series tradition, delighting driving enthusiasts. And for those unconvinced, there’s still the classic petrol and diesel models.